The Rain God

Arturo Islas

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991

Book Brief

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Arturo Islas

The Rain God

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991

Book Details

Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

Historical Fiction

•

Western

•

Education

Setting

U.S.-Mexico border • Mid-20th century

Topic

LGBTQ+

•

Arts & Culture

•

Education

Publication Year

1991

Audience

Adult

Super Short Summary

The Rain God by Arturo Islas portrays the Angel family across generations, focusing on cultural identity, secrets, and struggles in a Mexican-American community. The narrative explores themes of tradition and change as individuals face conflicts between personal desires and familial expectations. Islas blends personal histories with broader social issues, offering a rich examination of identity.

Emotional

Mysterious

Dark

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

880 ratings

72%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

The Rain God by Arturo Islas is lauded for its rich depiction of Mexican-American life and exploration of identity and cultural tension. Its lyrical prose and vivid characterizations are often praised. However, some critics find its narrative structure fragmented, which can hinder engagement. Overall, it remains a significant contribution to Chicano literature for its authentic voice.

Who Should Read The Rain God?

A reader who enjoys The Rain God by Arturo Islas would be intrigued by multi-generational family sagas and themes of cultural identity. Fans of Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street or Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude would appreciate its exploration of Mexican-American life and complex character dynamics.